Today my colleagues attended a field survey and people's mobilisation meeting at Irudeniyaya villages in Polpithigama divisional secretariat area.
The Irudeniyaya villages around 8 agricultural villages were about to evict from their land in order to cater to the needs of the tourism project. The lands from Kahalla- Pallekele forest was given to farmers and more than 2 generations they were living in the area. The houses were built with electricity, access roads and nearby schools for children's education. Recently there is a suggestion to appropriate the lands under wild life department
People were schocked to hear this and agitated many ways including 3000 people gathering at Kurunegala in October 12th. The message was clear. We dont leave our land.
The leaders submitted petition to N/W province chief minister and land minister. Without any surprise their response was clear.
"We dont have land powers to settle these issues".
People of Irudeniyaya went home empty hands but with a determination.
"We dont vote for any political party unless solve our land issue".
There were several promises given during the last provincial council elections. People will not be removed from their lands.
But today the issue has emerged in a different angle. It is a proposal for an Elephant Corridor from Kahalla Pallakele to Hakwatunawewa reservoir via Irudeniyaya.
The problem has a new face now. Today our discussion was to find ways and means to survive the farmers of Irudeniyaya and fishers in Hakwatunawewa reservoir and adjasent villages. People say we will not give up our land and wont allow fisher people to suffer with these new priposals.
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